How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:17–20 is one of the most important passages in the entire Sermon on the Mount. Read it in three movements: (1) Jesus and the Law (v.17), (2) the authority of Scripture (v.18–19), and (3) the kind of righteousness God requires (v.20). Key: This passage explains how everything Jesus teaches... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:13–16 shifts from identity to mission. Read this passage in three movements: (1) who you are (salt and light), (2) what you do (influence the world), and (3) why it matters (God is glorified). Key: The Beatitudes describe your character—this passage defines your impact. Jesus now answers the question:... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:1–2 introduces the greatest sermon ever preached. Read this passage in three movements: (1) the setting of the sermon (v.1a), (2) the audience of the sermon (v.1b), and (3) the authority of the sermon (v.2). Key: Before Jesus tells us how Kingdom people live, Matthew shows us who Jesus... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 6:25–30 builds directly on Jesus’ teaching about treasure and master. After addressing what we value, Jesus now addresses what we worry about. Read it in three movements: (1) the command not to worry, (2) the example of God’s provision, and (3) the exposure of little faith. Key: Worry reveals... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:27–32 is one unit with two inseparable themes: (1) sexual purity as a heart issue (vv.27–30) and (2) covenant faithfulness in marriage (vv.31–32). Read it slowly. Jesus is not merely raising the bar—He is exposing the true aim of God’s Law and confronting every form of self-justifying “external religion.”... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:21–26 is the first of six examples where Jesus deepens the meaning of the Law. Read it in three movements: (1) the heart-root of murder (vv.21–22), (2) reconciliation before worship (vv.23–24), (3) urgency before judgment (vv.25–26). Jesus does not lower the standard of righteousness. He exposes how deeply the... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:17–20 stands at the center of the Sermon on the Mount. Read it in four movements: (1) Christ’s relationship to the Law, (2) the permanence of Scripture, (3) the seriousness of obedience, (4) the righteousness required for the kingdom. These verses anchor everything that follows. Before Jesus intensifies the... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:13–16 moves from the character of kingdom citizens (the Beatitudes) to their function in the world. Read this passage in three movements: (1) the identity of believers, (2) the danger of losing effectiveness, (3) the purpose of glorifying the Father. Jesus does not merely tell His disciples what to... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:10–12 concludes the Beatitudes with a sobering reality: kingdom character invites opposition. Read this passage in three layers: (1) the reality of persecution, (2) the promise of the kingdom, (3) the posture of rejoicing. Jesus does not hide the cost of discipleship. He reveals that suffering for righteousness is... Continue Reading →
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 5:9 describes the outward ministry that flows from an inwardly changed heart. Read it in three layers: (1) what biblical “peace” actually is, (2) who makes peace (God in Christ), (3) what peacemakers do—and why they’re called God’s sons. This beatitude is not about avoiding conflict. It is about... Continue Reading →